Today, the California Supreme Court denied a court challenge to Proposition 8 and allowed a bare majority of voters to place the controversial language in the State Constitution. The language bars civil marriage for same-sex couples in California, despite the fact that the Supreme Court found marriage to be a “fundamental right” just last year. The Court also upheld the unions of 18,000 same-sex couples who wed before Proposition 8 took effect.

“Today’s decision is extremely disappointing,” said People For the American Way Foundation president Michael B. Keegan. “The Court abdicated its historic role as a guardian of Californians’ rights and liberties. A majority of Californians have a right to amend the State Constitution, but not to revoke fundamental rights from a minority. People For the American Way Foundation will continue its work with allies to fight for the rights of all couples to obtain the protections of civil marriage.”

“This is a sad day for anyone who cares about equality for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters,” said Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel, vice-chair of People For the American Way Foundation’s African American Ministers Leadership Council and a Senior Fellow at People For the American Way Foundation. Dr. Samuel is Senior Pastor of Victory For the World Church in Stone Mountain, Ga. “But I know that there are millions of Californians who will not rest until every person is treated equally under the law. That gives me great hope. Equality under the law is the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the guarantee of the U.S. Constitution, and I believe it is the will of God.”